Community News

Last updated: 2nd February 2012

A Boost for St.James' Park!

Community groups based in St.James' Park have had good news this week!

Lankelly Chase logo

Trust fund Lankelly Chase has agreed to pay for a 3‑year project to help local residents participate in a variety of activities in the Park. The money will pay for a part‑time co‑ordinator whose role will be to encourage people to get involved in volunteering and to set up training opportunities.

The project is a joint initiative between Friends of St.James' Park (FoSJP) and ParkLife. There will be opportunities for people from all age groups to become involved in the Park, including joining its Gardening Club, setting up sports activities, researching Shirley's history, helping at park events, and volunteering in the ParkLife Café. The project will also offer apprenticeships in the Café so that young people can get their first foot on the ladder of a catering career.

Rebecca Kinge, a volunteer for FoSJP and ParkLife, said:

"This money will make a real difference to what we can achieve. With a paid worker, we can get more people involved in our much-loved park. In particular we will be encouraging people who might need a bit of support, such as the long-term unemployed, young people with few qualifications, or people with health issues, to help them develop their own confidence and skills."

The ParkLife Community Room offers a venue for clubs, educational courses, and young people's drop‑ins. The new co‑ordinator will be encouraging local people to come up with ideas for activities and help get them up and running.

The grant will also allow FoSJP to facilitate information and advice drop‑ins in the Community Room. FoSJP is now looking for partner organisations with expertise in this area to help them deliver a first class service to people in the greatest need.

If you are a potential volunteer, another agency delivering services to local residents, or just want to know more, please contact Rebecca Kinge on 07968 777261 or via park-life@fosjp.org.uk.

If you want to give your support to what FoSJP is doing, or have other comments, please join FoSJP's Facebook Page.